Day 3: Widow’s Coin

Read

Mark 12:38-44, Luke 21:1-4

Set the Scene

Two small copper coins grow warm in the hand of a poor widow as she patiently waits her turn to drop them in the temple treasury. These two coins – of little value to others – fall from the hand of a faith-filled woman who trusts God with her all. The “plink, plink” as the coins land in the box is practically unheard among the noise of the busy temple comings and goings. But Jesus hears, and the sacrificial giving of these two coins is music to His ears.

Reflection Questions

1. Whereas teachers of the law sought to bring attention to themselves (Mark 12:38-39), the poor widow was inconspicuous among the crowd as she sought to honor God with her sacrificial giving (Mark 12:44, Luke 21:4). In what areas of your life do you find yourself seeking to make much of yourself rather than making much of God?

2. The widow sacrificed her all to the God Who would soon sacrifice His all (Mark 12:42, Luke 21:2). Jesus would soon give His life on the cross to save sinners. Where are you withholding your all in response to so great a salvation?

3. The two coins were all the widow had to live on (Mark 12:44, Luke 21:4), yet she intentionally came to the temple and gave them for the work of the Lord. She trusted God to use what she was able to give for the furtherance of His kingdom. Where can you grow in trusting God to use what may seem insignificant in your eyes to accomplish His kingdom purposes on earth?

4. Among the crowd, Jesus singled out the unobtrusive widow dropping her two small copper coins in the temple treasury (Mark 12:41, Luke 21:2). Jesus noticed and commended her for her faith and her faithfulness. He sees your faithfulness, too. In what area does that reminder encourage you today?

For Preschoolers: “Give Like the Widow” (Hands-On Giving Activity)

📖 Read Luke 21:1-4 in simple words: Jesus saw a woman give two small coins at the temple. Others gave a lot of money, but Jesus said she gave the most because she gave from her heart!

🪙 Activity:

• Coin Drop – Give your child two pennies (or small objects like buttons) and let them drop them into a cup or jar, just like the widow.

• Talk About It – Explain that giving isn’t about how much we give, but about having a heart that loves and trusts Jesus.

🙏 Pray Together: Thank Jesus for everything we have and ask Him to help us have a generous heart.

For Elementary Kids: “Giving from the Heart”

📖 Read Mark 12:38-44 or Luke 21:1-4 and discuss how the widow gave all she had because she trusted God.

💰 Activity:

• Act It Out – Give kids a few coins (real or pretend) and ask, If you only had these, would it be hard to give them away?

• Giving Challenge – Find something small they can give (a toy, a drawing, a kind note) to bless someone else and talk about how generosity is about the heart, not the amount.

• Ask: Why do you think Jesus said the widow gave more than the rich people?

✨ Family Reflection Question:
How can we be generous with what we have—our time, kindness, or money—just like the widow?